[[Image:Relics.jpg|thumb|300px|Various relics in front of an [[epitaphios]].]]

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The '''relics''' of the [[saints]] are [[venerate]]d because in Orthodox belief the body remains temple of the [[Holy Spirit]] even after death.

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'''Relics''' are portions of the earthly remains of Orthodox believers, usually [[saint]]s. Relics may also include clothing and [[vestments]] worn by saints, or items such as pieces of the [[True Cross]]. Particles of relics of saints usually are embedded in [[altar]] tables during [[consecration of a church|consecration of church]]es.

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The relics of the saints are [[veneration|venerated]] because in Orthodox belief the body remains temple of the [[Holy Spirit]] even after death.

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St. [[Cyril of Jerusalem]] writes:

St. [[Cyril of Jerusalem]] writes:

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"Though the soul is not present a power resides in the bodies of the [[saint]]s because of the righteous soul which has for so many years dwelt in it, or used it as its minister."

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"Though the soul is not present a power resides in the bodies of the saints because of the righteous soul which has for so many years dwelt in it, or used it as its minister."

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[[God]] also performs [[miracle]]s through the holy relics of [[saint]]s, in this way revealing His glory and glorifying His saints in whom He is pleased. One example is the relics of Saint [[Nectarios of Aegina|Nektarios]], which emitted a sweet-smelling sweat after he had passed away and showed no sign of decay until 20 years after his death.

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[[God]] also performs [[miracle]]s through the holy relics of saints, in this way revealing his glory and glorifying his saints in whom he is pleased. One example is the relics of Saint [[Nectarios of Aegina|Nektarios]], which emitted a sweet-smelling sweat after he had passed away and showed no sign of decay until 20 years after his death.

In North America, the Church is blessed to have three complete sets of relics: St. [[Herman of Alaska]], St. [[John Maximovitch]], and St. [[Alexis Toth]].

In North America, the Church is blessed to have three complete sets of relics: St. [[Herman of Alaska]], St. [[John Maximovitch]], and St. [[Alexis Toth]].

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==See also==

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*[[:Category:Saints]]

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*[[Resurrection]]

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==Articles on Relics==

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==External links==

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===Articles available online===

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*[http://www.firebirdvideos.com/articles/whyrelics.htm Why Relics?]

*[http://www.firebirdvideos.com/articles/whyrelics.htm Why Relics?]

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*[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/general/relics_place.aspx The Place of Holy Relics in the Orthodox Church] (or [http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/Holy_Relics/index.shtml here]) - by St. Justin Popovich

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*[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/general/relics_place.aspx The Place of Holy Relics in the Orthodox Church] (or [http://www.orthodoxphotos.com/Holy_Relics/index.shtml here]) by St. [[Justin Popovich]]

*[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/general/relics.aspx On the Veneration of the Holy Relics and Remains of the Saints] by Archpriest Vasily Demidov

*[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/general/relics.aspx On the Veneration of the Holy Relics and Remains of the Saints] by Archpriest Vasily Demidov

*[http://www.orthodox.net/gleanings/relics.html Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers]

*[http://www.orthodox.net/gleanings/relics.html Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers]

Latest revision as of 04:56, April 10, 2009

Relics are portions of the earthly remains of Orthodox believers, usually saints. Relics may also include clothing and vestments worn by saints, or items such as pieces of the True Cross. Particles of relics of saints usually are embedded in altar tables during consecration of churches.

The relics of the saints are venerated because in Orthodox belief the body remains temple of the Holy Spirit even after death.

"Though the soul is not present a power resides in the bodies of the saints because of the righteous soul which has for so many years dwelt in it, or used it as its minister."

God also performs miracles through the holy relics of saints, in this way revealing his glory and glorifying his saints in whom he is pleased. One example is the relics of Saint Nektarios, which emitted a sweet-smelling sweat after he had passed away and showed no sign of decay until 20 years after his death.